A number of homes were evacuated in the early hours of this morning following reports of 'loud bangs' and the discovery of a suspicious object in the Lambeg area of Lisburn.

Police have said the security alert is ongoing and are advising members of the public to avoid the area.

They updated information on the operation at 8am, saying: "Two pipe bomb type devices detonated outside a property in Mill Street at around 2.20am.

"A third device, which had failed to explode, was examined by ATO and made safe."

Chief Inspector David Nixon added: "Thankfully no one was injured however the blasts caused damage to the front of the house and it appears as though a car parked outside the property was also tampered with and damaged.

"A number of residents who were evacuated from nearby homes are being accommodated in the city's Island Centre.

"The cordon area has been reduced to the Mill Street area and people are asked to remain away from this area while officers conduct enquiries into the incident."

Police said at 3.40am this morning: "The Mill Street in the Lambeg area of Lisburn was closed and a number of homes evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area.

"The discovery follows reports of a number of loud bangs. There are no reports of any injuries at this time and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area."

Jonathan Craig, a DUP councillor in the area, said he could have been visiting the scene of a death.

He added: "Two pipe bombs have gone off in a young mother's home. Thankfully they exploded downstairs whilst she was upstairs with her young child otherwise they could have been maimed or even killed.

"I hope that the police find those responsible for this terrible attack and they are put behind bars as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 86 27/02/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.